Washing machine appliance having a selective ventilation damper

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a control panel, a tub, a wash basket, and a front ventilation line. The cabinet may include a front panel. The front panel may define an opening. The control panel may be mounted on the cabinet. The control panel may include an input and define a panel aperture. The tub may be positioned within the cabinet. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The front ventilation line may be in fluid communication with the tub. The front ventilation line may define an air path from an inlet at the panel aperture to an outlet in fluid communication with the tub.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machineappliances, and more particularly to washing machine appliances havingselective ventilation features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a wash tub for containingwater or wash fluid (e.g., water, detergent, bleach, or other washadditives). A basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub anddefines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Duringnormal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid isdirected into the wash tub and onto articles within the wash chamber ofthe basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at variousspeeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluidfrom articles within the wash chamber, etc.

Some existing washing machine appliances, such as horizontal axiswashing machines, are provided with one or more ventilation features.Such features may allow washing machine appliance to exchange airbetween the wash tub and the ambient environment. The exchange of airmay be necessary to prevent moisture from accumulating within the tub.For example, if the tub is not ventilated, mold or mildew may formwithin the washing machine. In turn, undesirable odors may be generated.

Although ventilation features may ensure that moisture does notaccumulate within the washing machine appliance while the washingmachine appliance is not in use, such features may provide certaindisadvantages. For example, while the washing machine appliance is inuse (e.g., during a wash cycle) ventilation features may provide a paththrough which noise is conveyed or amplified. Generally, noise generatedby a washing machine appliance during use is undesirable.

As a result, it would be desirable to provide a washing machineappliance or methods of operation that address one or more of the aboveidentified issues. In particular, it would be useful to vary airflow orminimize noise that is audible to a user outside of the washing machineappliance during certain operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machineappliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include acabinet, a control panel, a tub, a wash basket, and a front ventilationline. The cabinet may include a front panel. The front panel may definean opening. The control panel may be mounted on the cabinet. The controlpanel may include an input and define a panel aperture. The tub may bepositioned within the cabinet. The wash basket may be rotatably mountedwithin the tub. The front ventilation line may be in fluid communicationwith the tub. The front ventilation line may define an air path from aninlet at the panel aperture to an outlet in fluid communication with thetub.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machineappliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include acabinet, a control panel, a tub, a wash basket, a front ventilationline, and a rear ventilation line. The cabinet may include a frontpanel. The front panel may define an opening. The control panel may bemounted on the cabinet above the opening. The control panel may includean input and define a panel aperture. The tub may be positioned withinthe cabinet. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub.The front ventilation line may be in fluid communication with the tub.The front ventilation line may define an air path from an inlet at thepanel aperture to an outlet in fluid communication with the tub. Therear ventilation line may be in fluid communication with the tub. Therear ventilation line may define an output air path from a ventilationinlet within the cabinet and to a ventilation outlet above theventilation inlet in fluid communication with an ambient environmentoutside of the cabinet.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine applianceaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary washingmachine appliance.

FIG. 3 provides a partial perspective view of a washing machineappliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a magnified, cross-sectional, side view of a portion anexemplary washing machine appliance.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of an exemplary damperassembly in a closed first position for a washing machine applianceaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional schematic view of an exemplary damperassembly in an open second position for a washing machine applianceaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a flow chart of a method of operating a washing machineappliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope of theinvention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Within the present disclosure, the term “or” is generally intended to beinclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Theterms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably todistinguish one element from another and are not intended to signifylocation or importance of the individual elements. The terms “upstream”and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect tofluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to theflow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers tothe flow direction to which the fluid flows.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anexemplary washing machine appliance (e.g., washing machine appliance100). FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance100. FIG. 3 provides a partial perspective view of washing machineappliance 100, wherein a door 134 is in an open position. FIG. 4provides a magnified, cross-sectional, side view of a portion washingmachine appliance 100.

As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines avertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse directionT, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonalcoordinate system is defined. Washing machine appliance 100 includes acabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along thevertical direction V, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 alongthe lateral direction L, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 alongthe transverse direction T.

A wash tub 124 is positioned within cabinet 102 and is generallyconfigured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. As usedherein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener,bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Washtub 124 is substantially fixed relative to cabinet 102 such that it doesnot rotate or translate relative to cabinet 102.

A wash basket 120 is received within wash tub 124 and defines a washchamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. Morespecifically, wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 124such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to theillustrated embodiments, the axis of rotation A is substantiallyparallel (e.g., within 30°) relative to the transverse direction T. Inthis regard, washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a“horizontal axis” or “front load” washing machine appliance 100.However, it is noted that the illustrated embodiments are providedmerely as non-limiting examples and the present disclosure may beapplicable to any other suitable washing machine applianceconfiguration.

Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extendinto wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning articlesdisposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machineappliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality ofribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner,for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120during rotation of wash basket 120.

Washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 122 that is inmechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate washbasket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washingmachine appliance 100). According to the illustrated embodiments, motorassembly 122 is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated thatany suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotatewash basket 120 according to alternative embodiments.

Cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 that defines an opening 132,which generally permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 124.More specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134that is selectively positioned over opening 132 and is rotatably mountedto front panel 130 (e.g., about a door axis that is substantiallyparallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner, door 134 permitsselective access to opening 132 by being movable between an openposition (see e.g., FIG. 8) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and aclosed position (see e.g., FIG. 1) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.In exemplary embodiments, a lock assembly 182 is fixed to cabinet 102 toselectively lock or hold a free end of the door 134 to cabinet 102 whendoor 134 is in the closed position (e.g., during certain operations orwash cycles).

In some embodiments, a central body 136 of door 134 is provide on aperimeter rim 135 that extends about (e.g., radially about) at least aportion of central body 136. In optional embodiments, central body 136is provided as a window and permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door134 is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machineappliance 100). Generally, door 134 defines a footprint 170 on a frontportion of cabinet 102 (e.g., in a plane defined by the lateraldirection L and the transverse direction T). For instance, when door 134is in the closed position, central body 136 and perimeter rim 135 mayextend across footprint 170 and thus cover the area of the front panel130 within footprint 170 (e.g., when viewed along the transversedirection T directly in front of washing machine appliance 100). Asshown, particularly in FIG. 3, footprint 170 may extend radially outwardfrom opening 132. Thus, footprint 170 may encompass and define a largerwidth (e.g., diameter) than opening 132. In some such embodiments,central body 136 extends across and, optionally, within opening 132.Perimeter rim 135 may extend radially outward from opening 132 anddefine the radial extrema of footprint 170.

In certain embodiments, central body 136 is provided as a non-permeablebody, which blocks or prevents wash fluid or air from passingtherethrough. In alternative embodiments, central body 136 defines oneor more air aperture therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, door134 may also include a handle (not shown) that, for example, a user maypull when opening 132 and closing door 134. Further, although door 134is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should be appreciatedthat door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any othersuitable support according to alternative embodiments.

A front gasket or baffle 138 may extend between tub 124 and the frontpanel 130 about the opening 132 covered by door 134, further sealing tub124 from cabinet 102. For example, when door 134 is in the closedposition, baffle 138 may contact central body 136 in sealing engagementtherewith and within footprint 170.

As shown, wash basket 120 defines a plurality of perforations 140 inorder to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottomof wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 isconfigured for receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, duringoperation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged(e.g., by gravity) from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality ofperforations 140. A pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 124 (e.g., via a drain146). Pump assembly 144 may also be configured for recirculating washfluid within wash tub 124.

In some embodiments, washing machine appliance 100 includes an additivedispenser or spout 150. For example, spout 150 may be in fluidcommunication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid(e.g., clean water) into wash tub 124. Spout 150 may also be in fluidcommunication with the sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 maydirect wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to spout 150 in order tocirculate wash fluid in wash tub 124.

As illustrated, a detergent drawer 152 may be slidably mounted tocabinet 102 (e.g., on or within control panel 160). Detergent drawer 152receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, orany other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive towash chamber 126 during certain operations or wash cycle phases ofwashing machine appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment,detergent drawer 152 may also be fluidly coupled to spout 150 tofacilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir 154 is disposed within cabinet102. Bulk reservoir 154 may be configured for receipt of fluid additivefor use during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Moreover,bulk reservoir 154 may be sized such that a volume of fluid additivesufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washingmachine appliance 100 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any othersuitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir 154. Thus, forexample, a user can fill bulk reservoir 154 with fluid additive andoperate washing machine appliance 100 for a plurality of wash cycleswithout refilling bulk reservoir 154 with fluid additive. A reservoirpump 156 is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive frombulk reservoir 154 to wash tub 124.

In some embodiments, a control panel 160 including a plurality of inputselectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130 (e.g., above opening 132).Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 may collectively form a userinterface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features.For example, in exemplary embodiments, a display 164 indicates selectedfeatures, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to machineusers.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is generally controlled by acontroller or processing device 166. In some embodiments, controller 166is in operative communication with (e.g., electrically or wirelesslyconnected to) control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washingmachine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of controlpanel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washingmachine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 166 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) andmicroprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessoroperable to execute programming instructions or micro-control codeassociated with a wash operation. The memory may represent random accessmemory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In oneembodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored inmemory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or maybe included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using acombination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such asswitches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates,and the like to perform control functionality instead of relying uponsoftware).

Control panel 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100,such as motor assembly 122, one or more fans 198 or 228, and a ventdamper 210, may be in operative communication with controller 166 viaone or more signal lines or shared communication busses. Additionally oralternatively, other features, such as an electronic lock assembly 182for door 134 may be in operative communication with controller 166 viaone or more other signal lines or shared communication busses.

In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132,and a wash cycle is initiated through operator manipulation of inputselectors 162. For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that washtub 124 is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g.,via additive dispenser 150 during a fill phase). One or more valves (notshown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide forfilling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the mass ofarticles being washed or rinsed. By way of example, once wash basket 120is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can beagitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for an agitation phase of laundry itemsin wash basket 120. During the agitation phase, the basket 120 may bemotivated about the axis of rotation A at a set speed (e.g., first speedor tumble speed). As the basket 120 is rotated, articles within thebasket 120 may be lifted and permitted to drop therein.

After the agitation phase of the washing operation or wash cycle iscompleted, wash tub 124 can be drained (e.g., through a drain phase).Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinse phase) byagain adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of thewash cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitationwithin wash basket 120. One or more spin phases may also be used. Inparticular, a spin phase may be applied after the wash cycle or afterthe rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles beingwashed. During a spin phase, basket 120 is rotated at relatively highspeeds. For instance, basket 120 may be rotated at one set speed (e.g.,second speed or pre-plaster speed) before being rotated at another setspeed (e.g., third speed or plaster speed). As would be understood, thepre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the plasterspeed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover, agitation ortumbling of articles may be reduced as basket 120 increases itsrotational velocity such that the plaster speed maintains the articlesat a generally fixed position relative to basket 120.

After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned (or the washcycle otherwise ends), a user can remove the articles from wash basket120 (e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 throughopening 132).

In some embodiments, a rear ventilation line 190 is provided withinwashing machine appliance 100. In particular, rear ventilation line 190may be enclosed within cabinet 102. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, exemplaryembodiments include rear ventilation line 190 at a position in fluidcommunication between tub 124 and the surrounding region (e.g., theambient environment outside of or immediately surrounding cabinet 102,the enclosed volume of cabinet 102 surrounding tub 124, etc.).

Generally, it is understood that rear ventilation line 190 may beprovided as any suitable pipe or conduit (e.g., having non-permeablewall) for directing air therethrough. When assembled, rear ventilationline 190 defines an air path (e.g., an output air path 192) from tub 124and within or through cabinet 102 (e.g., to the ambient environmentoutside of cabinet 102). Specifically, output air path 192 extends froma ventilation inlet 194, through cabinet 102, and to a ventilationoutlet 196. In some embodiments, ventilation inlet 194 is definedthrough a top portion of wash tub 124 and ventilation outlet 196 isdefined through an upper portion of cabinet 102. Thus, output air path192 may extend from the top portion of tub 124 to an upper portion ofcabinet 102.

Optionally, ventilation inlet 194 may be positioned below ventilationoutlet 196 along a vertical direction V. Advantageously, a convectiveairflow may be naturally motivated from wash tub 124, through output airpath 192, and to the ambient environment. Additionally or alternatively,splashing of wash fluid and the collection of moisture within output airpath 192 may be prevented. However, any other suitable configuration maybe provided to facilitate the flow of air from tub 124 and, for example,to the ambient environment.

Although a convective airflow may be facilitated, optional embodimentsfurther include a fan or blower 198. Specifically, fan 198 may beprovided in fluid communication with rear ventilation line 190 tomotivate an active airflow therethrough. For instance, fan 198 may bemounted within rear ventilation line 190 to selectively rotate and drawair from wash tub 124, through ventilation inlet 194, and to ventilationoutlet 196 (e.g., to output an airflow from tub 124 to the ambientenvironment).

In certain embodiments, a front ventilation line 200, separate andspaced apart from rear ventilation line 190, is provided in fluidcommunication with wash tub 124. For instance, front ventilation line200 may be any suitable pipe or conduit in fluid communication (e.g.,upstream fluid communication) with wash tub 124 and rear ventilationline 190.

As shown, in exemplary embodiments, front ventilation line 200 extendsfrom control panel 160 to wash tub 124. When assembled, frontventilation line 200 defines an air path (e.g., intake air path 208)from control panel 160 to wash tub 124 (e.g., upstream of output airpath 192). Specifically, intake air path 208 extends from an intakeinlet 202 (e.g., defined as a panel aperture through control panel 160),through cabinet 102, and to an intake outlet 206. In some embodiments, acabinet aperture 204 may be defined through control panel 160 as intakeinlet 202. Thus, intake air path 208 may extend from control panel 160to, for example, a top portion of tub 124.

In certain embodiment, intake inlet 202 is positioned above intakeoutlet 206 along a vertical direction V. In additional or alternativeembodiments, a plurality of intake inlets 202 are provided. Optionally,intake inlets 202 may be even with or laterally adjacent to themid-point of opening 132 (e.g., along the lateral direction L). Forexample, two intake inlets 202 may be provided on opposite lateral sidesof opening 132. An ambient airflow 230 may thus flow from an area besideopening 132 (or footprint 170) before entering tub 124 at intake outlet206.

In optional embodiments further include a fan or blower 228.Specifically, fan 228 may be provided in fluid communication with frontventilation line 200 to motivate an active airflow therethrough. Forinstance, fan 228 may be mounted within front ventilation line 200 toselectively rotate and draw air from wash tub 124, through intake inlet202, and to intake outlet 204 (e.g., to input an airflow from theambient environment to tub 124).

Notably, in the disclosed embodiments, air (e.g., an ambient airflow230) may flow between tub 124 and the ambient environment throughcabinet aperture 204 even while door 134 remains closed. For instance,air may be motivated through the air paths 192, 208 and tub 124 byconvective airflow or by fan(s) 198, 228 in fluid communication with theventilation lines 190, 200.

In some embodiments, a vent damper 210 is provided to selectivelycontrol an airflow between tub 124 and, for example, the ambientenvironment. Generally, vent damper 210 is in communication with washtub 124 (e.g., in fluid communication with the air paths 192, 200). Incertain embodiments, vent damper 210 is enclosed, at least in part,within cabinet 102. For instance, vent damper 210 may be positionedalong front ventilation line 200. As will be described in detail below,vent damper 210 may be selectively controlled or operated to limit theflow of air through front ventilation line 200 (e.g., and therebythrough rear ventilation line 190, output air path 192, or intake airpath 208) during certain operations, phases, or cycles. Thus, ventdamper 210 may selectively limit airflow between tub 124 and the ambientenvironment.

When front ventilation line 200 is unobstructed (e.g., when vent damper210 is in an open second position), air may flow to/from tub 124 betweenfront ventilation line 200 and rear ventilation line 190. In otherwords, an airflow circuit with the ambient environment may be formed bythe lines 190, 200 and tub 124. Moreover, when one line (e.g., frontventilation line 200 or rear ventilation line 190) is obstructed, theother line (e.g., rear ventilation line 190 or front ventilation line200) may permit pressure within tub 124 to equalize relative to theambient environment.

Turning especially to FIGS. 5 and 6, various views are provided of adamper assembly (e.g., vent damper 210) according to exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, vent damper 210 mayinclude a rigid, non-permeable housing or chute 212. Chute 212 maydefine an opening 214 to selectively permit air therethrough andcommunicate with rear ventilation line 190 (e.g., via front ventilationline 200—FIG. 5). Thus, chute 212 may extend about opening 214, andopening 214 may extend through chute 212. In certain embodiments, aninterior lip 216 extends radially inward from chute 212 toward opening214 (e.g., coaxial or concentric with opening 214), thus defining aperimeter (or perimeter portion) of opening 214.

In certain embodiments, restrictor plate 218 is configured to movebetween a discrete first position and second position. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the first position generally restricts airflow through opening214 (e.g., and thereby through front ventilation line 200 or rearventilation line 190). In the first position, restrictor plate 218 mayextend across opening 214. By contrast, and as illustrated in FIG. 7,the second position may generally permit airflow through opening 214(e.g., and thereby through front ventilation line 200 or rearventilation line 190). In the second position, restrictor plate 218 maybe moved away from opening 214.

In certain embodiments, a resilient foam layer 220 is provided onrestrictor plate 218. For instance, resilient foam layer 220 may befixed to a surface of restrictor plate 218 between opening 214 andrestrictor plate 218 (e.g., relative to or along front ventilation line200). When restrictor plate 218 is in the first position, resilient foamlayer 220 may contact at least a portion of chute 212. For instance,resilient foam layer 220 may be positioned in contact with interior lip216. Optionally, resilient foam layer 220 may be at least partiallycompressed against chute 212, sealing front ventilation line 200 toprevent air from passing through opening 214. It is understood thatresilient foam layer 220 may be provided as any suitable resilient orelastic foam material that can be compressed before returning to itsuncompressed state or shape.

In exemplary embodiments, a motor 222 is mechanically coupled tonon-permeable restrictor plate 218. Motor 222 may be attached at anysuitable location on or near chute 212 to move restrictor plate 218relative to opening 214. For instance, motor 222 may be configured toselectively rotate restrictor plate 218 about the pivot access P.Moreover, motor 222 may be provided as any suitable electromechanicaldevice (e.g., gear assembly, solenoid, actuator, etc.) for movingrestrictor plate 218 or holding restrictor plate 218 in a directedposition. In certain embodiments, motor 222 is in operativecommunication with (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to)controller 166. Controller 166 may be configured to direct motor 222 tomove or hold restrictor plate 218 in a selected position (e.g.,according to a selected wash cycle or phase). In other words, controller166 may be configured to move or rotate vent damper 210 between thefirst position and the second position.

Referring now to FIG. 7, various methods may be provided for use withwashing machine appliances in accordance with the present disclosure. Ingeneral, the various steps of methods as disclosed herein may, inexemplary embodiments, be performed by the controller 166 (FIG. 1),which may receive inputs and transmit outputs from various othercomponents of the appliance 100 (FIG. 1). In particular, the presentdisclosure is further directed to methods, as indicated by referencenumber 600, for operating a washing machine appliance 100, as describedabove. Such methods advantageously facilitate selectively limiting theaudible noise transmitted outside of washing machine appliance (e.g.,outside of cabinet 102 in the surrounding ambient environment) during awash cycle.

As shown in FIG. 7, at 610, the method 600 includes receiving a userinput at the washing machine appliance. For instance, the controller mayreceive a signal in response to user command provided at the userinterface (e.g., to activate the washing machine appliance from a sleepstate, select a wash cycle, etc.). Optionally, a wash cycle may beinitiated, as discussed above. Additionally or alternatively, the doorthe washing machine appliance may be locked or unlocked (e.g., at thelock assembly) depending on the received user input.

At 620, the method 600 includes determining a noise state of the washingmachine appliance following receiving the user input (i.e., following610). Moreover, 620 may be based on (or otherwise contingent upon) theuser input at 610.

As an example, the noise state may generally correspond to theinitiation or completion of a wash cycle. In some such embodiments, 620includes determining initiation of a wash cycle (i.e., when a wash cyclehas begun or is otherwise imminent) such that significant noise can beexpected from within the washing machine appliance. In additional oralternative embodiments, 620 includes determining completion of a washcycle (i.e., when a wash cycle has ended) such that significant noise isno longer being generated by the basket motor, water valves, or basketwithin the washing machine appliance. Optionally, the method 600 mayinclude multiple noise state determinations. For instance one noisestate determination may be made upon determining initiation of a washcycle, while another noise state determination may be made upondetermining completion of the wash cycle.

As another example, the noise state may generally correspond to one ormore sub-portions or phases of a wash cycle during which significantnoise is expected. In some such embodiments, 620 includes determininginitiation of an audible phase of the wash cycle (i.e., when an audiblephase has begun, is beginning, or is otherwise imminent). In additionalor alternative embodiments, 620 includes determining completion of anaudible phase of a wash cycle (i.e., when an audible phase has ended)such that significant noise is no longer being generated by the basketmotor, water valves, or basket within the washing machine appliance. Theaudible phase may include one or more of the fill phase, agitationphase, or spin phase, as discussed above. Optionally, the method 600 mayinclude multiple noise state determinations. For instance one noisestate determination may be made upon determining initiation of anaudible phase of a wash cycle, while another noise state determinationmay be made upon determining completion of the audible phase of the washcycle.

As yet another example, the noise state may generally correspond to astandby condition or a wake condition. Generally, the standby conditionmay be provided as a low-power state wherein at least a portion ofwashing machine appliance (e.g., the user interface or the display) isinactive, such as after a predetermined amount of time during which nouser input is received and no wash cycle is being performed. The wakecondition may be provided as a condition that prompts the washingmachine appliance out of a standby condition (e.g., engagement of apredetermined user input at the input selectors). In some suchembodiments, 620 includes determining a wake condition is met. Forinstance, determining the wake condition is met may include determiningthat the washing machine appliance has received a user input promptingthe washing machine appliance to activate one or more elements that wererendered inactive during a standby condition. In additional oralternative embodiments, 620 includes determining a standby condition ismet. For instance, determining that the standby condition is met mayinclude determining that the washing machine appliance has deactivatedone or more elements in response to a predetermined time period ofnon-use. Optionally, the method 600 may include multiple noise statedeterminations. For instance one noise state determination may be madeupon determining a wake condition is met, while another noise statedetermination may be made upon determining a standby condition is met.

As still another example, the noise state may generally correspond to alock condition or unlock condition for the door of the appliance (e.g.,at the lock assembly). Generally, the lock condition may hold door inthe closed position as the lock assembly secures the door to thecabinet. The unlock condition may permit the door to move between aclosed position and an open position as the lock assembly releases afree end of the door from the cabinet. In some such embodiments, 620includes determining a lock condition is met. For instance, determiningthe lock condition is met may include determining that the lock assemblyhas been or is actively being directed to hold the door of washingmachine appliance closed (e.g., against the cabinet). In additional oralternative embodiments, 620 includes determining an unlock condition ismet. For instance, determining that the unlock condition is met mayinclude determining that the lock assembly has been or is actively beingdirected to release the free end of the door from the cabinet.Optionally, the method 600 may include multiple noise statedeterminations. For instance one noise state determination may be madeupon determining a lock condition is met, while another noise statedetermination may be made upon determining an unlock condition is met.

At 630, the method 600 includes directing the vent damper between afirst position and a second position based on the determined noisestate, as described above.

As an example, if the noise state corresponds to the wash cycle, thevent damper may be directed accordingly. In some such embodiments, 630includes placing the vent damper in the first position (e.g., moving thevent damper to or holding the vent damper at the first position) inresponse to initiation of the wash cycle. In additional or alternativeembodiments, 630 includes placing the vent damper in the second position(e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the vent damper at thesecond position) in response to completion of the wash cycle.

As another example, if the noise state corresponds to the audible phase,the vent damper may be directed accordingly. In some such embodiments,630 includes placing the vent damper in the first position (e.g., movingthe vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the first position) inresponse to initiation of the audible phase. In additional oralternative embodiments, 630 includes placing the vent damper in thesecond position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holding the ventdamper at the second position) in response to completion of the audiblephase.

As yet another example, if the noise state corresponds to the wakecondition or standby condition, the vent damper may be directedaccordingly. In some such embodiments, 630 includes placing the ventdamper in the first position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holdingthe vent damper at the first position) in response to the wake conditionbeing met. In additional or alternative embodiments, 630 includesplacing the vent damper in the second position (e.g., m moving the ventdamper to or holding the vent damper at the second position) in responseto the standby condition being met.

As still another example, if the noise state corresponds to the doorlock condition or door unlock condition, the vent damper may be directedaccordingly. In some such embodiments, 630 includes placing the ventdamper in the first position (e.g., moving the vent damper to or holdingthe vent damper at the first position) in response to the door lockcondition being met. In additional or alternative embodiments, 630includes placing the vent damper in the second position (e.g., movingthe vent damper to or holding the vent damper at the second position) inresponse to the door unlock condition being met.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinetcomprising a front panel, the front panel defining an opening; a controlpanel mounted on the cabinet, the control panel comprising an input anddefining a panel aperture; a tub positioned within the cabinet; a washbasket rotatably mounted within the tub; and a front ventilation line influid communication with the tub, the front ventilation line defining anair path from an inlet at the panel aperture to an outlet in fluidcommunication with the tub.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1,further comprising: an electronic display mounted to the control panel.3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a fanpositioned in fluid communication with the front ventilation line tomotivate an airflow therethrough.
 4. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 3, wherein the fan is positioned within the front ventilation linebetween the inlet and the outlet.
 5. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 1, further comprising: a front baffle extending between the tuband the front panel, wherein the front baffle defines the outlet as aradial aperture in fluid communication between the panel aperture andthe tub.
 6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, furthercomprising: a rear ventilation line in fluid communication with the tub,the rear ventilation line defining an output air path from a ventilationinlet within the cabinet to a ventilation outlet in fluid communicationwith an ambient environment outside of the cabinet.
 7. The washingmachine appliance of claim 6, further comprising: a fan positionedwithin the rear ventilation line to motivate an airflow therethrough. 8.The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a ventdamper positioned in fluid communication therewith, the vent damperbeing selectively movable between a first position restricting airflowthrough the front ventilation line and a second position permittingairflow through the front ventilation line.
 9. The washing machineappliance of claim 8, wherein the vent damper comprises a non-permeablerestrictor plate movably mounted along the front ventilation line toblock the air path in the first position.
 10. The washing machineappliance of claim 8, further comprising: a motor mechanically coupledto the non-permeable restrictor plate; and a controller in operativecommunication with the motor, wherein the controller is configured todirect the motor to selectively move the vent damper between the firstposition and the second position.
 11. A washing machine appliancecomprising: a cabinet comprising a front panel, the front panel definingan opening; a control panel mounted on the cabinet above the opening,the control panel comprising an input and defining a panel aperture; atub positioned within the cabinet; a wash basket rotatably mountedwithin the tub; a front ventilation line in fluid communication with thetub, the front ventilation line defining an air path from an inlet atthe panel aperture to an outlet in fluid communication with the tub; anda rear ventilation line in fluid communication with the tub, the rearventilation line defining an output air path from a ventilation inletwithin the cabinet and to a ventilation outlet above the ventilationinlet in fluid communication with an ambient environment outside of thecabinet.
 12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, furthercomprising: an electronic display mounted to the control panel.
 13. Thewashing machine appliance of claim 11, further comprising: a fanpositioned in fluid communication with the front ventilation line tomotivate an airflow therethrough.
 14. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 13, wherein the fan is positioned within the front ventilationline between the inlet and the outlet.
 15. The washing machine applianceof claim 11, further comprising: a front baffle extending between thetub and the front panel, wherein the front baffle defines the outlet asa radial aperture in fluid communication between the panel aperture andthe tub.
 16. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, furthercomprising: a fan positioned within the rear ventilation line tomotivate an airflow therethrough.
 17. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 11, further comprising: a vent damper positioned in fluidcommunication therewith, the vent damper being selectively movablebetween a first position restricting airflow through the frontventilation line and a second position permitting airflow through thefront ventilation line.
 18. The washing machine appliance of claim 17,wherein the vent damper comprises a non-permeable restrictor platemovably mounted along the front ventilation line to block the air pathin the first position.
 19. The washing machine appliance of claim 17,further comprising: a motor mechanically coupled to the non-permeablerestrictor plate; and a controller in operative communication with themotor, wherein the controller is configured to direct the motor toselectively move the vent damper between the first position and thesecond position.